FAMILIES enjoyed the last of the summer sunshine at the Epping Forest Festival over the weekend.

Lasting from 11am to 4pm, thousands of visitors descended to enjoy the event, which celebrated the history of the ancient forest and the surrounding community.

Flocking to the free event on Chingford Plain on September 6, they were treated to a medieval archery display using flaming arrows, rock, climbing, donkey rides and a 'dancing digger' performance.

The annual event also featured a 'dog scurry' for visitors' four-legged friends as well as swingboat rides for children, a hog roast and a grisly re-enactment of a hanging using a dummy.

Sword fights were staged between “Robin Hood” and “the sheriff of Nottingham” and for those interested in arts and crafts, there were rope making and woodland craft demonstrations.

Epping Forest Superintendent Paul Thomson said: "We got about 12,000 people, which is an excellent figure.

"We were very pleased with how the day went - everyone seemed to have a good time and that's what it's there for."

Dozens of rotary clubs, historical societies and local interest groups set up stalls and City of London Corporation staff were on hand to talk about conservation efforts in Epping Forest.

Mr Thomson added: "It's been running for a number of years and we're trying to give a focus to the work we do in the forest.

"There are a lot of groups that have a particular interest in the forest and it's an opportunity to showcase not just our work but all the groups that contribute so much to the life of the forest."